If you’re looking to take Halloween to the next level this year, why not swap the usual pumpkin-carving and trick-or-treating for a spine-tingling getaway? Across the U.S. there are towns and cities that don’t just celebrate Halloween, they become it. From historic witch trials and haunted hotels to gothic cemeteries and ghostly parades, these destinations lean into their eerie pasts and transform into living, breathing horror stories when October rolls around. From flickering lanterns and haunted tours, to vibrant festivals, there’s so much to see and do. Here are six of the most haunted, atmospheric, and unforgettable U.S. destinations to visit this Halloween that you need to take a trip to this October.
Salem, Massachusetts – The Witch City
Famed for the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, this historic New England town is synonymous with witchcraft, hauntings and all things Halloween. Each October, Salem leans into its past with Haunted Happenings, a month-long festival of ghost tours, historic reenactments and the moving Witch Trials Memorial Candlelight Vigil on October 31st. Families can hop on themed trolley rides, take spooky harbourside cruises, and wander a town transformed into a Halloween spectacle, with costumed visitors filling the streets, shop windows glowing with jack-o’-lanterns, and the scent of woodsmoke drifting through the fresh autumn air. Even without the scares, the fiery autumn foliage and colonial architecture make Salem an idyllic autumn escape.
Nearest airport: Boston, MA
Estes Park, Colorado – The Shining Comes to Life
High in the Colorado Rockies, Estes Park is known for its aspen-covered slopes and snow-capped peaks, but it’s also home to The Stanley Hotel, a magnet for horror fans from around the world. This grand landmark inspired Stephen King’s The Shining after his stay in the 1970s, and guests still report eerie footsteps and unexplained noises echoing through its halls. The hotel offers spine-tingling experiences such as The Shining Tour, The Night Tour and The Seance at The Stanley. By day, the town’s Pumpkin Festival offers a cosy counterpoint to the scares, with carving contests, live music, and craft stalls set against a backdrop of golden aspens. Just beyond Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is at its autumn best, with scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and short hikes that end at glassy mountain lakes.
Nearest airport: Denver, CO
Savannah, Georgia – Southern Gothic Spirits
With moss-draped oaks, cobblestone squares, and elegant antebellum mansions, Savannah is the kind of place where beauty and spooky legends naturally intertwine. Often called one of America’s most haunted cities, its legends swirl around old inns, shadowy cemeteries, and historic homes where strange happenings still occur. Ghost tours range from candlelit walks through Bonaventure Cemetery to lively pub crawls and the playful “Trolley of the Doomed”. Late October brings the pet-friendly Wag-O-Ween parade, where costumed pups trick-or-treat through downtown and the Starland District, while Halloween bar crawls like Nightmare on Congress Street keep the night going. Off the haunted trail, riverside dining, warm Southern hospitality, and a walkable historic district make Savannah as captivating as it is mysterious.
Nearest airport: Savannah/Hilton Head International, GA
Jerome, Arizona – A Desert Mining Town with a Haunted Past
Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome’s steep streets and weathered wooden buildings whisper tales of its rowdy mining boom days. Once dubbed the “Wickedest Town in the West,” it was home to saloons, brothels, and the hospital now known as the Jerome Grand Hotel, renowned for reported phantom footsteps, slamming doors, and floating objects. Year-round, Jerome Ghost Tours offer guided walks with EMF readers and spirit boxes through the most haunted spots, including the former hospital grounds. In early October, the town stages its annual Ghost Walk, closing off sections of the historic downtown for dramatic performances and supernatural storytelling. Visitors can also browse art galleries, shop for antiques, and savour local cuisine while taking in sweeping views of the Verde Valley.
Nearest airport: Phoenix, AZ
Eureka Springs, Arkansas – Victorian Charm Meets Ghostly Legends
Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is known for its steep streets, gingerbread-trimmed houses, and mysterious past. The legendary Crescent Hotel, dubbed “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” offers nightly ghost tours and special Halloween paranormal investigations. The town’s Voices from Eureka’s Silent City cemetery event runs throughout October, with costumed actors bringing the city’s colourful former residents to life. The town also embraces theatrical thrills. Events such as the Harvest Witch Festival and costumed Zombie Crawls fill the Halloween calendar with immersive, quirky charm. Between scares, visitors can wander the winding streets, browse quirky boutiques, and hike the surrounding forest trails alive with autumn colour.
Nearest airport: Northwest Arkansas National, AR
New Orleans – A Festival of Spirits and Celebration
New Orleans is one of the most atmospheric places you can visit for Halloween, making it a truly ideal destination. Known for its mix of history, mystery, and vibrant celebrations, the city comes alive with ghost tours through the French Quarter, haunted mansions, and legendary cemeteries that set the perfect spooky backdrop. Beyond the eerie, it’s also a city that knows how to party—costume parades, masquerade balls, and live music fill the streets, blending its rich voodoo culture with an unmatched festive spirit. Whether you’re into the supernatural or just love a good celebration, New Orleans offers a Halloween experience like nowhere else.
Nearest airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, LA
No matter which destination you choose, each of these haunted hotspots offers its own unique way to experience the thrills of Halloween and get into the spooky spirit. Which are you planning to visit this year? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
